> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fanfare.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Queue Distribution > Virtual waiting lines for high-demand launches A **Queue** is a virtual waiting line that manages high demand by giving consumers controlled access over time. By default, queues are first-come, first-served and work well for launches where fairness means "first in line gets access first." Queues can also optionally use loyalty-biased admission. When enabled for a specific experience, Fanfare can give more loyal or engaged consumers improved opportunity to be admitted while still preserving non-guaranteed outcomes. The setting is off by default. ## How Queues Work When consumers join a standard queue, they're assigned a position and wait for their turn: Queue flow diagram showing consumers join, wait, reach the front, and receive checkout access. ## The Consumer Experience 1. **Join** — Consumer enters the queue and receives either a position number or qualitative progress messaging 2. **Wait** — Progress updates in real time as the line moves forward 3. **Get access** — When they reach the front, they're notified they can checkout 4. **Complete purchase** — Limited time window to finish their purchase ## Consumer Journey Queue consumer journey showing not in line, in queue, access granted, and complete. ## When to Use Queues | Scenario | Why Queue Works | | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Product launches | First in line gets access first | | Event ticketing | Orderly flow prevents site overload | | Flash sales | Manages traffic while rewarding early arrivers | | Limited inventory | Ensures fair, ordered access to scarce items | | High-demand drops | Prevents site crashes by throttling access | ## Configuration Options ### Admission Rate How many consumers per minute receive access to checkout. | Rate | Result | | ---------- | --------------------------------------- | | 50/minute | About 1 consumer per second gets access | | 100/minute | About 1.7 consumers per second | | 200/minute | About 3.3 consumers per second | **Tips for setting admission rate:** * Match your checkout system's capacity * Too high = checkout overwhelmed * Too low = unnecessary waiting ### Queue Capacity Maximum consumers allowed in the queue at once. * **Set a limit** when you want to manage server load or set expectations * **Leave unlimited** when you want to accept everyone and let them wait ### Total Admissions Maximum total consumers who can receive access. * **Set a limit** when inventory is fixed (e.g., 500 items available) * **Leave unlimited** when you want continuous access until closing time ### Access Window Duration How long consumers have to complete checkout after receiving access. | Duration | Best for | | ------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | 5-10 minutes | Simple purchases, saved payment methods | | 15-20 minutes | Multiple items, entering payment details | | 30 minutes | Complex purchases, high-value items | ### Loyalty-Biased Admission Enable loyalty-biased admission only when your launch should recognize loyalty or engagement as part of the queue experience. It does not guarantee access and should not be described as a fixed place in line. When this setting is enabled: * Use qualitative progress messaging instead of precise numeric queue positions. * Avoid copy that promises a loyal consumer will be admitted. * Review promotion, fairness, and eligibility language before launch. ## What Consumers See ### While Waiting * Their current position in line, or qualitative progress language when loyalty-biased admission is enabled * Estimated wait time * Real-time updates as the line moves ### When It's Their Turn * Notification that they can proceed * Time remaining to complete purchase * Clear call-to-action to checkout ### If They Take Too Long * Warning as time runs low * Notification when access expires * Option to rejoin (if the queue is still open) ## Configuration Examples ### Product Launch High-demand sneaker drop with limited inventory: ``` Queue Settings: ├── Admission rate: 100/minute ├── Total admissions: 500 (matches inventory) ├── Access window: 10 minutes └── Allow guests: Yes ``` ### Event Ticketing Concert tickets going on sale: ``` Queue Settings: ├── Admission rate: 200/minute (handle high volume) ├── Queue capacity: 50,000 (manage expectations) ├── Access window: 15 minutes (time to select seats) └── Allow guests: No (need account for tickets) ``` ### Flash Sale Time-limited sale with steady access: ``` Queue Settings: ├── Open time: 9:00 AM ├── Close time: 12:00 PM ├── Admission rate: 50/minute ├── Total admissions: Unlimited └── Access window: 5 minutes ``` ## Why Consumers Might Not Get In | Reason | What Happened | Consumer Message | | ----------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Queue full | Queue reached capacity | "Queue is at capacity. Try again later." | | Queue closed | Outside open hours | "This queue is currently closed." | | Already purchased | Hit their order limit | "You've already purchased the maximum allowed." | | Access expired | Took too long at checkout | "Your checkout window has expired." | ## Best Practices ### 1. Set the Right Admission Rate Match your checkout capacity. If your checkout can handle 2 purchases per second, an admission rate of 100/minute leaves headroom for abandoned carts. ### 2. Configure Appropriate Time Windows Balance urgency with fairness: * Too short = frustrated consumers who can't complete in time * Too long = people holding spots they won't use ### 3. Communicate Clearly Show consumers: * Their position and estimated wait for first-come, first-served queues * Qualitative progress or status messaging for queues with loyalty-biased admission enabled * What happens when it's their turn * How long they'll have to complete ### 4. Handle Capacity Gracefully When the queue fills up: * Show a clear message about capacity * Offer a waitlist as an alternative * Give expected reopening times ## Common Patterns ### Rolling Queue Continuously accepts and admits consumers over a longer period: * Open for an extended time (days or weeks) * Steady admission rate * No total admission limit * Limited queue capacity to manage expectations ### Burst Queue Handles launch-day spikes: * Short open window (30 minutes to a few hours) * Higher admission rate * Set total admissions to match inventory * Unlimited queue capacity to accept everyone ### Recycling Expired Spots When consumers don't complete checkout: * Their spot can be recycled * Next person in line gets access sooner * Helps ensure all inventory sells ## Related Concepts * [Distributions Overview](/concepts/distributions/overview) — Common distribution concepts * [Draw Distribution](/concepts/distributions/lottery) — Random selection alternative * [Auction Distribution](/concepts/distributions/auction) — Competitive bidding * [Appointment Distribution](/concepts/distributions/appointment) — Time-slot booking * [Timed Release Distribution](/concepts/distributions/instant) — Instant access at scheduled time * [Waitlist Distribution](/concepts/distributions/exclusive) — Interest capture and notifications * [Audiences](/concepts/audiences) — Tiered access for different consumer groups